mrojassilva's review

Go to review page

5.0

cried a little.

madhamster's review

Go to review page

3.0

A message that isn't too heavily laid on.

luftschlosseule's review

Go to review page

5.0

Greta loves the forest and is a friend of the animals. One day, her furry friends come to tell her they're afraid, because the giants are killing the forest.

This picture book is inspired by Greta Thunberg and the fridays for future movement. Of course, we have a finished tale with a happy-end to make it appealing as a story, and of course everything is simplyfied. Because this does not set out to do a detailed retelling of real events.

But what it does set out to do it does well. The pictures are vibrant and detailled and very beautiful to look at. There is a clear distinction between Greta, her friends and then the giants on the other side, but without demonizing the latter. They're just people who happen to be giants, and they're so busy they don't realise what they do. But they're able to learn if someone is willing to teach them. You only have to try.

It's encouraging and while this doesn't represent my own grasp of the situation, it's the kind of tale I'd like tiny humans to grow up with.
Well done.

I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

_thngan_'s review

Go to review page

3.0

This is a book based on the real character in real life, even though I didn't like her in the real life. But this book brought its message We are never small to speak our voice which is super useful. And also the design and illustrator for this book were super awesome and I like it a lot.

jmshirtz's review

Go to review page

4.0

I love that the giants are actually giants in this story. <3 Lovely illustrations and message.

kestrelreader's review

Go to review page

5.0

This is an absolutely beautifully illustrated book featuring an inspiring role model and of course an important message

etienne02's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

What a nice story, and very well illustrated as well, inspired by Greta Thunberg (the characters only, the story itself is more fantastical then realistic!. An ecological tale about nature and society. Simple, but perfectly executed and absolutely worth reading!

cherylanntownsend's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Greta is visited by the inhabitants of her forest, pleading for help in saving their home. The giants have pillaged and plundered nature in their blind greed for profitable construction. She contemplates how and sets out to meet them, carrying only a sign with “STOP” emblazoned upon it. Alone, she is ignored. Soon, others join her, each with their own sign of their own plea. The numbers can not be ignored. The giants take heed. They stop, they listen, they regret. Looking always forward, they could not see the destruction left behind. They adopt alternatives, begin to repair, change the motion of progress.

Adorably illustrated and completed with a bio on Greta alongside some tips for eco-living and websites for further information.

A product of 350.org, a grassroots campaign intending to reduce carbon dioxide from our atmosphere, 3% of every book sale goes towards meeting their goal.

Every child needs a hero to look up to, why not give them one that cares about their tomorrows?

backpackingbookworm's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Greta lives in the heart of the forest along with all the animals. One day, the animals approach her for help, scared that the greedy Giants are ruining their home. They chop down trees to build bigger and bigger homes, ignoring the beauty and habitat of the forest, preferring to build sprawling cities to accommodate their Giant needs. Greta decides to start a protest, asking the Giants to stop. At first, she is ignored, but then people join her protest and eventually the Giant's are forced to listen. Embarrassed and ashamed, they realise that their actions have been ruining the forest. They put their greed aside and start appreciating the forest again, allowing it to return to its original beauty.

This story is inspired by the young climate change activist, Greta Thunberg. It is a powerful story that resonates with the current challenges facing the planet. Although this story has a happy ending, the notes at the end of the book explain to readers that Greta in the real world needs your help. It gives examples of things children (and adults) can do to help make a difference.

The story is empowering to children, teaching them about the importance of climate change and what they can do to help keep the earth alive. The illustrations are beautiful and complement the story perfectly. I think this is such an important topic right now and there's absolutely no reason why children shouldn't be given the opportunity to make a difference too. Greta in this story and in real life is an inspiration, and I hope this book inspires all readers to make small changes in their life to help tackle climate change.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

lucyturnsthepage's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Let me start this review by saying I may well be biased towards it. While the strikes for climate are not something I have participated in as a Geography graduate I spent years studying climate change and the impacts it is having across the world, in this time when some in power are still refusing to acknowledge the threat that climate change has I believe any book that develops awareness of the issue has some merit. Now onto the book itself.

I have seen some reviews complaining that this book offers no solutions to the situation but rather just encourages children to blame ‘the giants’ for the problems. That is not how I read it. Yes the story itself is about taking a stand but the giants aren’t vilified, it is made clear that they merely weren’t thinking of the forest but rather the growth of their cities. I don’t think this is an unfair characterisation. And at the back of the book their are suggestions written for what children can do themselves to help. Perhaps because I read it as a primary school teacher I pay more attention to this as it’s something that could be part of a scheme of work and I can see myself planning lessons using this book as the starting point.

My other notes are just on the aesthetic of the book. I think it is gorgeous, the illustrations are beautiful and have a soft warmth to them that just makes me want to dive in. There is diversity shown without it being made out to be a big deal and the language used makes it a good candidate for being read aloud. I can definitely see myself reading this book to my class in the future.